New SEMA entry requirements making it hard, for the non-auto biz people to attend... Options

[neo914-6]

GENERAL INFORMATION

AAPEX and the SEMA Show are trade events and only qualified members of the automotive aftermarket industry are permitted to attend.
Early Registration fee: $15 (U.S.). Registration must be received by October 7 to receive the early registration discount. After October 7, registration is only available onsite. Approved registrations received by October 7 will receive badges in the mail. Badge mailing begins in September.
At the Show, the standard registration fee is $50 (U.S.). If you do not receive your badge in advance, you may pick it up at the “Will Call” counter at either the Sands Expo Center or the Las Vegas Convention Center only.
Infants or individuals under the age of 16 will not be admitted. Sorry, childcare will not be available on the premises.
All registrations are subject to review and approval by Show Management. Confirmation letters will be sent via email once registration has been approved.


Two (2) forms of approved professional identification may be required to complete your registration. The two (2) forms of qualifying identification include: one (1) form of business identification and one (1) form of personal identification as listed below:
Proof of Business (one of the following):

Tax registration certificate or Business Registration (automotive related companies only)
Business License or EIN#
Proof of Personal Identification may include (one of the following):
Two recent paycheck stubs from an automotive related company (must list company, address, and your name)
Business cards (must list the address of the automotive company and include your job title)
Health Insurance Card (must list automotive company name and your name)
Business Photo ID (must list automotive company name and your picture and name)
W-4 Form
Once approved, your AAIW Registration badge will allow you to enter AAPEX, SEMA, and NACE Shows.

[jasons]

I work in the gaming industry (slot machines) and when we have our annual vegas convention, we spend like 1/3 of our marketing budget over the course of that week. Our booth gets so clogged with people you can't even move, and our booth is one of the top 5 in size.

Its a huge investment to have any booth at those shows. From an exhibitors point of view they need their resources (salespersons) talking to the people who are buyers. Everyone else is a waste of time, unless they are a journalist.

When I go, its either to support a game I worked on, troll for new ideas, or both.

Nonetheless, I would love to go to SEMA. The booth babes must be phenomenal for that one. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wub.gif)